Employee Rights Blog

California's 2017-2018 legislative session ended with a significant number of new labor and employment laws enacted by both the legislature and Governor Brown. Two such laws effect employers and the processes and forms used to recruit new employees.  Below is a summary of two new laws for Califor...

What Is Sexual Orientation Discrimination? Sexual orientation discrimination occurs when an employer discriminates against an individual because they are perceived or actually gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and/or transgender.   Heterosexuals can also experience sexual orientation discrimination. Discr...

If you're a California employee, you may have wondered: Can my employer fire me for no reason? The idea of losing your job unexpectedly, without explanation, is both frustrating and disorienting. California's at-will employment doctrine often leads employees to feel vulnerable, but there are cruc...

If you are a California worker who has been laid off because of the coronavirus pandemic or any other reason, you may be eligible to collect unemployment benefits. In California, employees who are temporarily out of work may qualify for unemployment. Right now, millions are out of a job in the st...

Navigating a disability while managing the demands of a high-pressure job can be incredibly challenging. It's often like walking a tightrope - constantly balancing your health needs with the expectations of your role. When that job is at a major tech company like Google, where performance is everyt...

Sexual Orientation Discrimination – last week, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed two lawsuits charging employers with discriminating against employees based upon their sexual orientation. This is the first time the EEOC has filed two sex discrimination cases against private...

When an employee is suspended at work, it is typically because of a disciplinary measure taken by an employer that involves temporarily barring an employee from performing his or her job duties. While there may be a number of reasons for a job suspension, it is often due to an investigation into ...

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue, and understanding California sexual harassment statistics can be eye-opening. The prevalence of these incidents might surprise you. Many people don't fully grasp the scope of the problem, especially in California. This guide will provide cla...

Sexual harassment occurs in places where it is tolerated. An environment where such behaviors are allowed to continue unchecked is ripe for abuse, harassment and discrimination. Oftentimes, the individual who is harassed may not even be certain that he or she is being harassed in the workplace be...

Have you experienced discrimination? If so, the first step in pursuing a claim is to file a “charge” with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). Once your charge is processed, you'll receive a “right to sue” le...

Many of us, unfortunately, experience a toxic environment in our places of work. There are times, however, that your work environment may turn hostile causing you severe mental trauma and emotional distress. Creating a hostile work environment through unlawful actions such as harassment, discrimi...

If you are an undocumented worker and are not being paid wages you earned, you have the same rights as any other California resident. Learn more about your rights as an employee in California.

Losing a job is a life-altering event. While California operates as an “at-will” employment state, the law provides robust protections to help ensure that terminations are conducted lawfully. Whether you're grappling with a sudden layoff, a potential wrongful termination, or delayed final paychec...

Taking medical leave is a critical safeguard for employees facing health challenges. However, many California workers worry about job security when they need time off for medical reasons. If you're asking, “Can I be fired for taking medical leave in California?” the answer is generally no, but un...

California is known for its robust worker protections, but the concept of at-will employment often creates confusion for employees. While the at-will employment doctrine allows employers to terminate employees for any lawful reason - or no reason at all - it is not absolute. Key legal exceptions exis...

Facing unfair treatment at work can be confusing and upsetting. What qualifies as workplace discrimination in California? It's a crucial question for many, and this post offers a clear guide to understanding your rights and taking action. If you're facing unfairness at work due to who you are, yo...

Engaging in work after experiencing sexual harassment can be overwhelming and confusing. You might be asking yourself, “Was what happened to me really harassment?” or “What are examples of sexual harassment at work?” These are difficult questions to confront, and it's natural to feel uncertain ab...

It's an awful feeling: being unsafe and disrespected in your own workplace. This feeling can worsen when the source of that discomfort is your boss. Unfortunately, many employees face this. A significant number report witnessing or experiencing bullying, harassment, and other misconduct on the jo...

So, you've taken the significant step of filing an EEOC complaint. It's a decision that doesn't come lightly, often fueled by feelings of frustration, unfair treatment, and the hope for a resolution. Now, a new question arises: Should I tell my employer I filed an EEOC complaint? Navigating the ...

Blowing the whistle on corporate misconduct can be a daunting and life-changing decision. For those who take that brave step, the potential for a whistleblower lawsuit settlement offers both vindication and financial compensation. However, the road to justice is rarely easy. The landscape of whi...

You clock in for your shift, ready to tackle the day, but your boss tells you to go home – there's just not enough work. You're frustrated, especially since you already commuted and turned down other plans. What about the pay you were counting on? This is where understanding California reporting ...

I've spent years now fighting for employees who've been wronged by their employers. And, I can tell you firsthand that age discrimination is a real problem. Many people think it'll never happen to them, especially at a company like Dollar General. But it's more common than you might think. So wh...

Navigating employment law can be challenging, especially when discrimination allegations arise. The recent Microsoft discrimination settlement brought this issue to light, highlighting the importance of workplace equality.

I've seen it happen far too many times - hardworking employees, denied their basic rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). It's a story we know all too well. But here's the thing: you don't have to take it lying down. You have the power to fight back against FMLA violations and s...

Farming the Golden State's rich soil requires sturdy arms and a strong back. Yet, amidst the sun-scorched fields and hard work, California farmworkers face the risk of wage and hour violations, which can drain the most meager wages even further. Having a proven legal representative, a California ...